The prestigious family surname Burnewits originated in the territory that eventually became the German state of Prussia. In the 19th century, this state was virtually unrivalled militarily, and its rapid industrial growth made it a contender for economic superiority in Europe as well. However, in the medieval era, Prussia was fragmented and inhabited by numerous barbarian tribes, who fought amongst themselves for control of the land. The borders of the barbarian kingdoms, which were established after the fall of the Roman Empire, changed repeatedly. The region that came to be known as Prussia was roughly divided between the territories of Brandenburg-Prussia, West Prussia and East Prussia. The Burnewits family emerged in Brandenburg- Prussia, which is essentially the birthplace of modern Germany. By the 19th century, Brandenburg-Prussia had incorporated East Prussia, West Prussia and many other German territories. Moreover, in the late 19th century, it led the German states in the unification of Germany.

Burnewits Early Origins

The surname Burnewits was first found in Brandenburg, where the family was anciently seated.

Burnewits Spelling Variations

Burnewits Spelling Variations

In the medieval era, many different cultural groups lived in the German states. There are thus many regional variations of German surnames from that era. Westphalians spoke Low German, which is similar to modern Dutch. Many German names carry suffixes that identify where they came from. Others have phrases attached that identify something about the original bearer. Other variations in German names resulted from the fact that medieval scribes worked without the aid of any spelling rules. The spelling variations of the name Burnewits include Bernewitz, Bernwitz, Bernwitts, Bernwitz, Burnwitz, Bernewitze, Bernwitze, Barnewitz, Bernewits, Bernwits, Bernwitts, Burnewits, Burnewitts, Burnwits and many more.

Burnewits Early History

Burnewits Early History

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Burnewits research. Another 183 words (13 lines of text) covering the years 1767 and 1867 are included under the topic Early Burnewits History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Burnewits Early Notables (pre 1700)

Burnewits Early Notables (pre 1700)

Another 31 words (2 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Burnewits Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

The Great Migration

The Great Migration

Since medieval times, the state of Prussia has played an important part in the history of Germany. The state's military powers were historically very strong, and endured until after the Second World War, when the territory was broken up and divided between the Soviet Union, Poland, East Germany and West Germany. A spurt of migration followed, with some Prussians going elsewhere in Europe and many others crossing the ocean to North America. Most entered the United States through Philadelphia. Some remained there, while more moved on to the states of Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California, New York, and Maryland. Others traveled to Canada and settled Ontario and the prairie provinces. Research into the origins of individual families in North America revealed records of the immigration of a number of people bearing the name Burnewits or a variant listed above: Theodore Barnewitz, who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1851; and other people who arrived on the eastern coast of the United States in the 18th and 19th centuries..

The Burnewits Family Crest was acquired from the Houseofnames.com archives. The Burnewits Family Crest was drawn according to heraldic standards based on published blazons. We generally include the oldest published family crest once associated with each surname.